Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
Salmonella Scare Forces Tomatoes Off Menu
By
John Del Signore
Published Jun 10, 2008
Modified Jun 10, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
John Del Signore
Published Jun 10, 2008
Modified Jun 10, 2008
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Panic is gripping stomachs nationwide as news spreads about a salmonella food poisoning outbreak caused by certain varieties of tomatoes. The FDA has not been able to pinpoint the source of the poisoning, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports at least 23 people, mostly in New Mexico and Texas, have been hospitalized since mid-April, with no fatalities… yet. The main symptoms are diarrhea and extreme abdominal pain.
Tomatoes grown in New York State are believed to be safe from the bacteria (found in animal feces), but some New Yorkers are still feeling the affects of the outbreak, as Subway, Chipotle, Outback Steakhouse and Taco Bell have all 86’d tomatoes. McDonald’s will keep the grape tomatoes in salads, but has pulled tomatoes from burgers nationwide. The Post gets some local color from disgruntled McDonald’s diners, quoting 17-year-old Beata Royzman, who speaks for all of us: “It's disgusting.” And the Daily News talks to 24-year-old Big Mac eater Tashi Topgyal, who cries, “I wish they had the tomatoes. It's a vegetable. It's the healthy part of the meal!”
Have the days of BYO tomatoes arrived? The FDA recommends steering clear of raw red plum, raw red Roma, or raw round red tomatoes, but cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, tomatoes sold with the vine still attached, and tomatoes grown at home are believed to be safe. The FDA also warns consumers to watch out for fresh salsa, guacamole, and pico de gallo, which typically contain raw tomatoes.
Tagged
fast food
mcdonald's
outbreak
salmonella
tomato
John Del Signore
Originally from the Albany area, John Del Signore has called NYC home since 1995. In addition to his thousands of meticulously-crafted bespoke blog posts for Gothamist, his writing has also been published in The Awl, Deadspin, The Nervous Breakdown, and performed at The Brick Theater in Brooklyn.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
Why NYC restaurants are playing coy about sustainability
Though it has multiple benefits, the practice remains popular for one basic reason: it saves money.
By
Samantha Dady
Published Oct 26, 2026 at 10:01 a.m. ET
Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.
The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Food
Where are the cheapest drinks in NYC? A new report details the city's average prices.
The median price of a cocktail in the city is now $16, and $9 for a draft beer.
By
Hannah Frishberg
North African restaurants are rare in NYC. These 10 are the best.
By
Robert Sietsema
10 dishes that demonstrate the delicious diversity of curry in New York City
By
Robert Sietsema
Frozen yogurt is back in New York City. So are the super long lines.
By
Sonia Rao
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .